6 Space-Saving Ideas for Your Dining Area and Kitchen

As homes become smaller and smaller, we keep looking for ways to downsize everything—from our belongings to the spaces we live and work in. Of all the rooms (or in a condo, areas) in a home, kitchens and dining areas have probably seen the most reduction in size, with many being squeezed in 3 meter spaces or less. Make the most out of this area by implementing space-saving techniques like the ones below: 

Place your dining set next to your pantry shelf.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

The shelving unit in this dining space pulls double duty as a display area and pantry shelf. Alcoholic drinks are placed on the uppermost shelves while the daily-use items like cocoa, coffee, and snacks are set on the lowermost shelf for easy reach. The sliding-door cabinet at the bottom of the unit can hold glassware, plates, and utensils, making for convenient dining.  

Read: A Compact Euro-hip Condo Home

Go the resto route and use benches.

IMAGE Jose Luis Salazar

This dining set for six can easily seat eight or more people thanks to the nifty bench lined up against the wall. This is a great option for people who love to entertain, as they’ll always have the space to invite a guest (and their plus-one!) for dinner.

Read: A Cozy Industrial Style Condo Unit You’d Love To Come Home To

Turn a counter into a dining bar.  

IMAGE Dairy Darilag

With the rise of condo living in the country, breakfast nooks are becoming increasingly popular. Save space by opting for overhead cabinets and leaving the bottom section of a countertop open to accommodate chairs.

Read: A 32sqm Eclectic Moroccan Condo Unit in Pasay

Extend your kitchen with a rectangular table.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Make the most of an L-shaped kitchen by placing a long table against the exposed counter. You can also take a cue from this sleek cooking-and-dining area by using clear plastic chairs (aka ghost chairs) that reduce visual clutter.  

Read: A Bachelor’s 40sqm Loft-Type Condo

Have a round table discussion.

IMAGE Michael Angelo Chua

Don’t limit yourself to a squares or rectangles. Round tables can actually seat more people, since the lack of awkward corners will allow one or two more guests to squeeze in. Plus, the table’s curves add a laidback feel to the dining area.

Opt for wall-mounted tables.  

When space is really tight, wall-mounted tables will do the trick. The beauty of this option is that this area doesn’t have to be for dining only—you can also use it as a vanity or a workspace!